Family & Death

My eldest uncle passed away on Saturday after a long struggle with cancer.
I have never been closed to my uncle or anyone from my dad's side of the family.
Ever since my grandparents passed away, we no longer gather over Chinese New Year.

It's funny how death brings the family together. I contacted my cousin (2nd Aunty's daughter) to inform her of my uncle's passing and found out she is preggie with her second child. Geeesh. Oh in case you wonder why wouldnt my 2nd aunty know of the passing of her own younger bro...well she passed away many years ago too.

Lest this entry become shrouded by death...more importantly its how people come together in such times. None of the siblings (meaning my dad, aunties & uncle) got along in recent years. However, my 3rd aunty and 4th aunty had visited my uncle at his deathbed nonetheless. Sadly, more drama ensued at the ICU between my cousin (Uncle's daughter) and my 4th aunty who has declared she will not attend the wake. As for my dad, he is not even gonna bother to come back from China. Totally heartless!
Kudos to my 3rd aunty though...regardless her past unhappiness with my uncle, all's forgiven with death.

Despite my dad's sour relationship with my uncle, I am thankful that his family holds nothing against my mummy and me. So I shall do my part and attend the wake tonight, donning all that is required for the rites. I even took leave to send my uncle off on his final journey before his cremation tomorrow.

Family should indeed come first.